The University of Victoria Vikes women's basketball teams found their strides too late in the game, falling 71-62 to the No. 6-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies on Nov. 21 at the PAC in Saskatoon. Reigning Canada West MVP Dalyce Emmerson netted 17 points in the win that lifts the Huskies to a 3-2 record, while the Vikes fall to 2-3, both teams in the Pioneers Division of the Canada West.

Fifth years Jessica Renfrew and Cassandra Goodis led the way for the Vikes scoring 20 and 15 points, respectively, while Goodis added a team-high seven rebounds and seven assists. Rookie Amira Giannattasio chipped in another 10 points and third year Jenna Bugiardini was held to a modest nine points and five rebounds.

Six-foot-two Emmerson (Prince Albert, Sask.), also last year's Canada West Defensive Player of the Year, scored 11 of her 17 on the night in the first half of the game. She added another six in the second half.  Emmerson also recorded seven rebounds, two assists and one block in her 25 minutes.

CIS-transfer Laura Dally was also strong in the win for Saskatchewan adding another 13 points, while fourth-year guard Kelsey Trulsrud tallied eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

The Huskies led 22-15 after the first quarter but Victoria found their legs to start the second quarter with a 9-4 run to pull within two of Saskatchewan. Renfrew led the charge in the run hitting two three-pointers.  The Huskies quickly turned the tables and allowed Victoria to score just three more points in the frame to the Saskatchewan's 11 to lead 37-27 at halftime.

Saskatchewan held onto its 10 point lead heading into the final frame at 56-46 even after the Vikes outscored the Huskies 21-19 in the quarter. In the final quarter, the Vikes couldn't close the gap coming no closer than nine points to Saskatchewan.

The Huskies finished the game shooting at 47 per cent, while Victoria shot 41per cent in the loss.

The two teams will meet again Saturday night. Tipoff is 6:15 p.m. CST at the PAC and can be watched on canadawest.tv.

SCORING SUMMARY
UVIC: 15-10-21-16 : 62
SASK: 22-15-19-15 : 71

SCORING LEADERS
UVIC: Jessica Renfrew (20), Cassandra Goodis (15), Amira Giannattasio (10)
SASK: Dalyce Emmerson (17), Laura Dally (13)